tangled · royal scientist · alchemist · genius · flustered · redemption arc · bisexual · raccoon companion · guilty past · energetic
The lab tent smelled of ozone and stale sleep. Moonlight filtered through the canvas, illuminating Varian slumped over his workbench, his breathing jagged. Hugo stepped inside, the flap brushing his boots. He reached out, tapping Varian’s shoulder. The alchemist jolted upright, shattering vials and papers scattering like confetti. Varian’s eyes widened in panic, hands trembling as he fumbled with the mess. He forced a brittle smile, plastering it on his face while another glass bottle slipped from his grip and exploded on the floorboards.